Vannin Chief of Staff

Problem

Formally known as Vannin Consulting, their name and brand did not clearly explain the benefit of what they deliver. They were about a year into business, but growing quickly. When Vannin started, there were not many doing what they did in the marketplace.

Solution

We immediately changed their name from Vannin Consulting to Vannin Chief of Staff to be more specific around what they offered—placing chief of staff in scaling and global companies. We createda brand that was more engaging and dynamic than the limited organizations in their industry. We wanted them to standout so we went with a bold approach vs. the traditional feel that we got from our competitor research. Keep in mind there were not many competitors at the time. They came to us in the early states with a basic brand using stock photos, limited color and lack of clear messaging. We improved their messaging to align with who they were at the time, but we thought about the future and the potential they had. We updated their logo and visual identity to be unique, bold and modern. We implemented a marketing plan focusing on Linkedin, collateral for clients such as pitch decks and brochures, and also got started on media outreach for credibility.

Impact

Vannin Chief of Staff has reported 80% growth year-over-year since branding then and they’ve seen their followers increase from almost nothing on Linkedin to now more than 3,000 and growing. Not only have they increased their revenue threefold over two years, our PR efforts have helped them be recognized in global business publications. We also helped the founder/CEO apply for awards and she was named a 40 under 40 person to watch by the Denver Business Journal.

Connected EC

Problem

Connected EC, a 12-year-old leadership coaching firm at the time of rebranding, had evolved over the years and faced challenges communicating its services and unique value proposition. Their website was intended to attract more executive coaches and clients (large corporations and organizations), but very few understood what the company did. Additionally, they needed assistance positioning themselves as an authority in the industry and increasing their visibility among positive organizational psychologists, researchers, and corporations worldwide. This was a huge issue because its value proposition, core services, mission, and vision were unclear, preventing them from scaling and reaching their goals.

Solution

ShuBu Creative addressed challenges faced by Connected EC by defining its core services, focusing on leadership, teams, and organizations, and creating a tagline, "CREATE THRIVING LEADERS, CONNECTED TEAMS, AND POSITIVE CULTURES." They modernized the brand's look with vitality-inspired colors and graphics. ShuBu also developed a digital content strategy, monthly social media posts, and earned media, enhancing brand awareness and credibility. Their content covers wellbeing, leadership, burnout, vitality, and positive organizational psychology while maintaining a consistent visual identity.

Impact

The partnership with ShuBu Creative has transformed Connected EC, propelling its growth and enhancing its market visibility. The rebranding initiative, which more effectively communicated the company's core functions, coincided with a doubling in revenue in the same year. This success was further augmented by the expansion of the coaching team and significant media coverage in CEO Global Magazine, Colorado Biz Magazine, various blogs and podcasts, and local news stations.

The impact of the launch of a robust digital content strategy was immediate and substantial. Within just five months, Connected EC's LinkedIn presence surged by 1000%, drawing the attention of academics and corporations globally. This increased exposure, coupled with a more impactful brand presence and broader reach, is a testament to the effectiveness of the rebranding.

Overall, the collaboration with ShuBu Creative not only elevated Connected EC's brand positioning but also played a crucial role in its rapid scale-up and success in the industry. The company's revised messaging, overhauled website, and strategic digital content approach were key drivers in this remarkable growth trajectory.

Connected EC reported that its revenue nearly tripled following the rebrand and marketing efforts due to people knowing what they did when they got to the website. They were also able to attract more talent to work for Connected EC for the same reason. With this newfound brand clarity, they were able to clearly communicate their mission, vision, services, etc.

Butterfly Rising Institute

Problem

Butterfly Rising Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting single mothers, faced challenges with its outdated website, unclear messaging, and unrefined branding. They needed help to effectively communicate their mission, connect with their target audience, and secure partnerships with notable groups.

Solution

ShuBu Creative partnered with Butterfly Rising Institute to revamp its brand and online presence. Through a collaborative process, ShuBu Creative identified the key issues and devised a comprehensive solution.

• Website Redesign: ShuBu Creative developed a visually appealing and user-friendly website for Butterfly Rising Institute. The new website showcased its mission, programs, and success stories compellingly, creating a seamless user experience.

• Logo Refinement: ShuBu Creative refined Butterfly Rising Institute's logo to align with its vision and values. The updated logo captured the essence of transformation, resilience, and empowerment, visually representing their mission.

• Clear Messaging: ShuBu Creative worked closely with Butterfly Rising Institute to craft clear and impactful messaging. They refined the organization's brand story, mission statement, and program descriptions to communicate their value proposition to potential partners and single mothers.

Impact

The collaboration between ShuBu Creative and Butterfly Rising Institute resulted in significant positive outcomes:

City Program Partnerships & Workshops: Through the brand transformation, Butterfly Rising Institute secured a partnership with the City of Denver Wellness Program. This partnership allowed them to offer their 8-week program for single mothers to a broader audience, enhancing their reach and impact. This improved visibility attracted the attention of other notable groups, leading to more partnerships and collaborations that further expanded their influence.

Enhanced Clarity and Engagement: The clear messaging developed by ShuBu Creative resonated with single mothers and critical stakeholders. It helped prospective participants understand the value of the 8-week program, leading to increased enrollment and active engagement within the community.

Public Relations Coverage: Butterfly Rising Institute has been featured in various podcasts, blogs, trade pubs and more due to ShuBu’s ongoing public relations efforts to increase brand awareness.

Overall, ShuBu Creative's strategic approach to branding and messaging revitalized Butterfly Rising Institute's image, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of single mothers. By providing a compelling online presence, refined logo, and clear messaging, ShuBu Creative empowered Butterfly Rising Institute to reach its target audience, forge valuable partnerships, and foster positive change in the community.

Epilectra, A Graphic Novel Series

Problem

Author and creator of Epilectra, The Graphic Novel Series, Sue Seserman, came to ShuBu Creative with the brilliant concept of a team of superheroes with disabilities who were making the world a better place. The script was written and the illustrations were hand-drawn by Sue herself. She presented it to ShuBu in a spiral-bound notebook. Sue and her husband, Doug, a seasoned corporate marketing professional, knew this book had a promising future and a vital message to spread. First, however, they wanted help getting it launched and looking professional and then wanted marketing and PR support after it was published. 

Solution

First, we tackled the brand. We worked with the author, Sue Seserman, to narrow down the key brand pillars of her novel and visually develop the characters in a digitized way. We solidified a clear mission, vision and values as well as a tagline: Transforming Disability into Superability. We created a logo, color palate, fonts and unique visual identity.

We determined how to position the book to preteens, parents, and loved ones of those with disabilities as “edutainment” as well as inspiring. We worked with Sue to hire an illustrator that fit the needs, vision, and style of the book. Once we found the right designer, we went to work to bring the characters and brand to life.

We developed the characters, the storyboards, and the brand messaging pillars. Once we determined the characters and the brand messaging, we created a website, media kit and other marketing materials like business cards and talking points to bring to conferences and networking events. At the same time, we worked on building a social media presence, followers and general disability awareness. 

We implemented an ongoing monthly e-newsletter and blog to Sue’s growing database of contacts to keep audiences engaged while we waited for the book to publish.

After three years of hard work, Epilectra was published in 2024! We strategically began a PR campaign leading up to the launch in order to have credibility when the book was released. We executed heavy media outreach 6-months prior to the release knowing that coverage would happen closer to book launch.

We also increased our social media presence during this 6-months time-period, layering in more content, reels, stories and more static posts. We continued the monthly blog and newsletter, but added in more email marketing in addition to the monthly e-newsletter. Additionally, Sue did speaking engagements during this time and anything to gain more exposure. At the time of the book release, we already had buzz. Finally, we hosted a book launch party and celebrated with friends, family and industry contacts.

Impact

Through ShuBu’s partnership, PR, branding and marketing efforts the graphic novel received national and local attention. Social media audiences grew from zero to thousands of followers on Linkedin, FB, Instagram and Twitter. The novel received endorsements from associations such as the National Epilepsy Foundation, Invisible Disabilities Association and The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, and was covered in numerous media outlets including but not limited to: Denver’s prestigious 5280 Magazine, Denver’s Fox31, 9News, Westword, Colorado Public Radio, The Daily Camera, Chicago’s Midwest Book Review, Pittsburgh, The Gazette, and more! The novel’s sales continue to slowly increase as times goes on and is available via Amazon and other online retailers such as Barnes & Nobles.